Pueblo Supermarkets

Infobox_Company
company_name = Pueblo Supermarkets
company_
company_type = Grocery
foundation = 1950s
location = San Juan, PR
industry = Retail
products = Bakery, dairy, deli, frozen foods, general grocery, meat, pharmacy, produce, seafood, snacks, liquor
revenue =

Pueblo has been one of Puerto Rico's major supermarket chains since the 1950s.

History

The brainchild of brothers Harold Toppel and George Toppel, Pueblo began as a single store operation on Roosevelt Avenue in the Puerto Nuevo section of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The success of the first store led the Toppels to open 43 other Pueblo Supermarkets around the Island and, by 1960, to convert the enterprise into a public corporation that began trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

In 1963, Pueblo expanded beyond Puerto Rico's shores to other U.S. territories. Pueblo opened stores in St. Thomas and St. Croix, quickly becoming a popular supermarket chain.

The company also introduced the trademark "Pueblo Foods," which included anything from paper towels to rice and was sold in all Pueblo stores.

In 1983, Pueblo launched the "Pueblo Xtra" concept, a discount warehouse type supermarket which allowed the customer to shop for food in a larger store featuring lower prices. The lower prices were due to the fact that the Xtra stores had no baggers; less employees, more savings. In 1990, Pueblo introduced Blockbuster Video to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Bankruptcy

In 2003, Pueblo faced financial troubles and there were rumors of a potential buyer from Venezuela. Despite this, Pueblo's management remained optimistic about the company's future.

In 2007, Pueblo appeared to be facing serious financial difficulties again, as many locations were closed. Some were acquired and taken over by Supermercados Econo, Supermercados Grande, Supermercados COOP and Supermax.

Reopening and PS Acquisition

The entire chain was expected to cease operations in September 2007, until a bid by Ramón Calderón president of Holsum of Puerto Rico (a baker goods company) for $139 million succeeded in taking over the rest of its operations. The new parent company expects to restructure Pueblo in an effort to revive the brand.

On November 16, 2007, PS Acquisition, new owner of Pueblo Supermarkets, opened the first three stores located in Isla Verde, Altamira, and El Senorial. The new company rearranged the stores, and for the opening, the stores were fully renovated and had a very large variety of products (all fresh). The suppliers sent to the stores their characters for the publicity, which attracted much people.

Due to public demand, Pueblo had to advance the opening of the Los Colobos, Rio Hondo, and Plaza Las Americas. They opened on November 21, 2007 just in time for Thanksgiving. New stores are to open each week, at least three or four each week.

As clients say, the new Pueblo, has better prices and a better arrangement.

References

External links

* [http://www.puebloxtra.com] - official site.